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Best of the Danube (Celebration of Music)

Best of the Danube (Celebration of Music)

About This Cruise

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, followThe Sound of Musicthrough sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    AmaSonata is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

AmaSonata

Departure Date

28 June 2028

Cruise Line

AmaWaterways

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Hungary

Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and board your luxurious ship, with the option to explore Budapest on your own before gathering for evening briefings, cocktail hour, and dinner.

Slovakia

Bratislava

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Spend a leisurely morning cruising from Austria to Slovakia before arriving in Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings.” Choose a walking tour to admire its historic sites, enjoy surprise musical performances along the way, or sample local flavors on a “Tastes of Slovakia” culinary tour. More adventurous passengers can hike to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views or join a guided bike tour through the city.

Austria

Melk

WACHAU VALLEY – MELK, AUSTRIA. Spend the morning soaking in the postcard-perfect scenery of Austria’s UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Later, arrive in Melk to visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube. This revered Baroque monastery, founded in the 11th century, features a museum, a historic library filled with medieval manuscripts, frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, and a live choir performance to complete your visit.

Austria

Linz

LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz and choose from several excursions. Stroll through the old city center past the Mozart House, explore the old market, or take a guided bike tour through the city. For a full-day adventure, visit Salzburg to see its historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, the Old Market, and Mozart’s Birth House. In the afternoon, guests not joining Salzburg can explore the charming Czech town of Český Krumlov, wandering cobblestone streets, admiring Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and touring the impressive Krumlov Castle.

Austria

Vienna

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard. (B,L,D)

Austria

Vienna

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Following your stay in the “City of Waltzes,” trace the footsteps of legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert by visiting their former residences, museums, and grand monuments. Explore the interactive House of Music, where you can feel sound waves and even conduct a virtual Vienna Philharmonic performance. Or, enjoy a nature escape with a hike through the Vienna Woods in Cobenzl.

Hungary

Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Begin your adventure in Buda, exploring the Castle District with Fisherman’s Bastion, panoramic views, and Matthias Church. Active travelers can hike Castle Hill. In the afternoon, enjoy a classical music tour at the Hungarian State Opera House and Franz Liszt Memorial Museum, or explore Pest’s landmarks, including the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and “Shoes on the Danube Bank.” In the evening, admire the city’s illuminated skyline from the Sun Deck or on a stroll.

Hungary

Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home

Overview

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, followThe Sound of Musicthrough sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

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Suite

Suite

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Suite
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Suite

Category AA+ Stateroom

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category AA+
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category AA Staterooms

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category AA
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category AB Stateroom

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category AB
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

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Balcony

Category BA Stateroom

Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category BA
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category BB Stateroom

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category BB
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category C Stateroom

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category C
  • French Balcony

Outside

Category D Stateroom

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category D
  • Fixed Windows

Outside

Category E Stateroom

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category E
  • Fixed Windows

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fine

Journey Restaurant

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Regional Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
Taste the essence of every destination through cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and using regional traditions, bringing the authentic flavors of your travel destination directly to your table.

Perfectly Paired Wines and Beverages
Pair dishes with regional wines, beers, or handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully chosen by our sommeliers to complement each dish and enhance your dining experience throughout the journey.

chef

The Chef's Table

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings. Watch as our chefs prepare each course before your eyes, pairing exquisite flavors with impeccable service.

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Bar, Lounge

The Lark Lounge & Bar

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

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Lounge, Theatre

Onboard Entertainment

Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings
Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets

Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.

Live Regional Performances On Ship
Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.

Shop

Gift Shop

The onboard boutique offers a variety of souvenirs for guests to purchase.

Lounge, Library

Library

The Library can be found on the Violin Deck.

Reception

Reception

Guests will first enter the lobby when they embark on their river cruise.

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Pool

Sun Deck

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

Gym

Fitness Room

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Salon

Beauty & Hair Salon

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in our salon.

Wellness

Massage Services

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and serenity.

Exercise Class

Fitness Classes

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded by fresh air and flowing scenery.